My restorer has recommended all stainless hardware (nuts, bolts, fasteners) for the two Skylarks he's restoring for me, mostly because a lot of the cars he's done live in the humid Midwest.
I'm a huge OEM fan, But I am considering doing this. Living in NE Iowa, even pulling one of my old cars out of an environmentally controlled building on a warm humid day will cause moisture to condense on the metal parts, especially the thicker iron parts.
To combat against the humid factor, on my other restorations, I painted the underside body color and all "bare" metal parts from the factory get either paint, a coating or a finishing sealant of some kind, even if it is just to duplicate the look of fresh iron. My antique tractors have the same issue, thus I already take the extra steps of using stainless fasteners where possible, and anti-seize where needed, even if they will likely never see rain and live in an environmentally controlled (and humidity controlled space).
Thus, stainless seems like a good option for my newest builds, something I wish I'd considered on the last automobile build.
My questions are:
1. Has anyone here done a restoration and used stainless fasteners, bolts, nuts, etc.?
2. If so, could you share photos of the car where they'd be visible?
3. How bad does this hurt the car's score in judging at Buick Meets such as a BCA or GS Nats.? (just in case I ever decide to drag one out and take it to a show)
Sorry for the small book!
Thanks in advance!
John
